Ad-Vision Screen Graphics adds work space across street from longtime location, financed by SBA 504 loan from First Bank and Indiana Statewide CDC

It's a wrap for construction work on Ad-Vision Screen Graphics' new building in Evansville. The 17-year old graphics company is installing advertising wraps on customer vehicles in the company's new, 6,000-square-foot building. Owner Gregory Gray obtained financing for constructing the new building from the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program through First Bank, Evansville and Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation. Gray says two graphic artists are working in the new building and 15 other employees remain in the company's primary building across the street on North Hoosier Avenue on Evansville's east side. Gray says, "This new building gives us more work space for all of our products, including screen printing, embroidery, decals, banners, shirts and caps." Ad-Vision's customers include schools, businesses and civic organizations throughout Evansville's tri-state area. Indiana Statewide CDC works with local Indiana lenders to issue SBA 504 loans that help owners of expanding or startup small businesses buy real estate, buildings and equipment. SBA 504 loans require a lower down payment from small business owners while offering long-term, fixed rate financing similar to conventional loan terms available for large companies. Gray says, "The SBA 504 program is great for small companies like mine. Our low down payment and repayment plan with its fixed rate puts us on equal footing with larger competitors." Matt Whetstone of First Bank says, "Our bank uses the SBA 504 loans frequently. They add strength to our small business loan packages that we can offer to business owners." Background: Indiana Statewide CDC (www.cambridgecapitalmgmt.com) has provided more than $530 million to 1,260 Indiana companies since 1983, creating or saving more than 26,595 jobs, and is the most prolific CDC in Indiana. Executive Director Jean Wojtowicz says, "SBA 504 loans help small businesses grow because borrowing companies can put as little as 10 percent down and receive a low, fixed interest rate for as long as 25 years. The SBA guarantees bonds sold privately to finance a portion of the loan. With the guarantee, we can offer more favorable loan rates than generally available to small businesses." First Bank (www.firstbank.com) was founded in Carmi, Illinois in 1893. First Bank has nine locations in Southeast Illinois and Southwest Indiana, specializing in Making Great Things Happen for small businesses. Ad-Vision Screen Graphics (www.avsg60.com) produces promotions products and displays including screen printing, embroidery, decals, banners, shirt, caps and vehicle wraps.